Managing disaster-related risk

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon at the launch of the Report "Revealing Risk, Redefining Development", Geneva, 10 May 2011

The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) launched the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction 2011, Revealing Risk, Redefining Development, at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction today in Geneva. The report stresses the need for the international community to invest in “risk proof” development.

“As countries invest more in early warning preparedness, mortality risk from floods and cyclones is trending down,” says Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. “At the same time, economic loss and damage to homes, schools, health facilities and livelihoods are on the rise,” he said.

According to the report, disaster-related economic losses are increasing across all regions, critically threatening the economies of low-income countries and even outstripping the wealth of many of the world’s richer nations. For example, the risk of economic loss due to floods has increased by over 160 per cent since 1980 in high-income countries. The situation is further compounded by the fact that governments are often liable for a significant part of the losses, but rarely have the financial ability to pay.

An estimated 2,300 representatives from over 350 governments , regional and national organizations are taking part this week in the Third Session of the Global Platform, the main forum that brings together the worldwide disaster risk reduction community every two years.

Under the slogan “Invest Today for a Safer Tomorrow – Increase Investments in Local Action,” the event will focus on the links between rising cost of disasters, how local communities adapt to climate change and the status of poverty-eradication efforts. The four-day conference will conclude with a brief statement and a plan of action for the future.